0mo–11mo7 minMealtimeBath timeSelf-care
Clear Sing-Song Talk: Baby Voice Cues
A short face-to-face talk routine where you speaks clearly to your child using a gentle higher-pitched sing-song voice, spotlighting a few key words and pausing for responses to support listening and attention.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a comfortable face-to-face spot (your lap, change mat, or a safe seat)
- one everyday object to talk about (e.g., spoon, cup, nappy, brush, or a favourite toy)
Nice to have
- a soft cloth (for peekaboo or gentle stroking)
- a small mirror (only if safe and supervised)
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneVocalizes back during interactionHeart· 2mo–8mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneTakes turns making soundsHeart· 4mo–8mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· core
- MilestoneLooks at a speaking caregiverMind· 1mo–6mo· core
- MilestoneUnderstands familiar single wordsMind· 7mo–14mo· stretch
- MilestoneOrients toward named objectMind· 10mo–18mo· core· Step 2
- MilestonePlays simple back-and-forth gamesHeart· 6mo–14mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneResponds to own nameMind· 6mo–10mo· stretch
- MilestoneTurns toward and locates a soundMind· 1mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneReaches accurately and graspsBody· 3mo–6mo· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Listens to, distinguishes and responds to intonations and sounds of voices.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Quietens or alerts to the sound of speech.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Looks intently at a person talking, but stops responding if speaker turns away.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Speak clearly. Babies respond well to a higher pitched, sing-song voice.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)